Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 84756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
Dio.
I squeeze my eyes shut, and it takes all my strength not to cry.
When I feel my resolve crumbling, I pull away from her and say, “Thank you.”
“Try to get some sleep,” she murmurs, a soft smile on her face.
“I will.”
My muscles strain to keep the emotions from overwhelming me.
Mrs. Accardi walks to the door and opens it. Glancing at me, she offers me another caring smile. “Good night, cara.”
“Night,” I murmur, my voice strained.
The moment the door shuts behind her, and I’m finally alone, a breath bursts over my lips. I cover my face with my hands as a tear escapes.
From years of conditioning, I fight the emotion and refuse to let another tear fall.
It takes me a few minutes to calm down, and only then am I able to relish in how good the hug felt.
I wish I had Mrs. Accardi for a mother.
Letting out a tired sigh, I grab my phone and check my notifications. I try to stay busy so I don’t spiral down a path of self-pity because of the stress I’m under.
Hours pass, and when my stomach grumbles for the tenth time, I set down the phone and wonder if I should risk going to the kitchen.
I check the time, and noticing it’s past midnight, I feel it would be safe.
Everyone should be asleep.
I tighten the belt of my robe before I open my bedroom door carefully, so it won’t make a sound. I sneak out and quickly make my way through the dark mansion.
When I reach the kitchen, a smile tugs at my mouth as I switch on the light.
Checking the pantry, I find a tub of Nutella. I fix myself a sandwich, and while I’m enjoying it, I prepare a cup of tea.
Damn, this could become my favorite midnight snack.
When I’m done eating, I quickly clean after myself before leaving the kitchen.
Feeling better after having something to eat, I walk through the foyer as I head toward the stairs.
The tiny hairs on the back of my neck raise, and feeling like I’m being watched, I glance around me.
Not seeing anyone, I quickly dart upstairs, and when I shut my bedroom door behind me, I let out a sigh of relief.
“That’s enough stress for one day,” I mutter as I switch off the lights.
I take off my robe and crawl into bed.
Hugging a pillow to my chest, I close my eyes and start to count to ten so I won’t lie awake and overthink things.
Counting numbers doesn’t work, though, and soon, I find myself replaying the day’s events in my mind.
Chapter 13
Damiano
During the helicopter ride to Manhattan, my thoughts turn to the night before.
I caught Gabriella sneaking around the house after midnight, but when she just grabbed something to eat before heading back to her room, I returned to the sunroom.
I spent an hour thinking about the satin robe she wore and how the fabric flowed around her body when she moved. I got glimpses of her toned legs and way too fucking sexy shorts.
By the time I headed to bed, I felt agitated.
When the helicopter touches down on the helipad, I’m pulled out of my thoughts.
I help Mamma out of the aircraft and lead her to the elevator with Gerardo following us. I gave Carlo a rare afternoon off so he can spend time with his mother.
We’re quiet on the ride down to the basement, and when the doors open, I see Vito and Emilio waiting by the SUV.
They signal for the other group of guards that we’re leaving, and Gerardo opens the back door.
Once we’re seated, with my mother between Gerardo and myself, Emilio starts the engine.
Vito glances over his shoulder from where he’s sitting in the passenger seat. “How are you doing, Mrs. Falco?”
“I’m good. Excited to spend time with my son,” she answers. “How’s your foot? Did you try soaking it in Epsom salts?”
“Yes, thank you. It helped, and the foot’s much better.”
“That’s good.” She tilts her head, then asks, “How are your parents, Emilio?”
“They’re well, Mrs. Falco. Thanks for asking.”
With the pleasantries out of the way, Mamma relaxes against my side.
During the drive, silence fills the cab, and when we pull up to Yukhaejang, Skylar’s restaurant, I shove the door open and climb out of the SUV. I glance over the area for any signs of threats before I help Mamma out onto the sidewalk.
Renzo’s already waiting by the entrance, and as we near him, he says, “Wow, who’s the beautiful woman on your arm?”
“Oh hush, Renzo,” Mamma chuckles.
He leans down to kiss both her cheeks. “It’s good seeing you again, Mrs. Falco.”
I shake Renzo’s hand before we walk into the restaurant.
“Damiano tells me you’ve finally found the one,” she mentions while Renzo leads us to a private room.
“Yes. You’ll meet Skylar today,” he replies. His eyes touch on me, then he says, “You just missed Dario. He was here with a date.”